Semiconductor device, motor control device, lens unit for imaging apparatus, and imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

In a motor control device, a matrix circuit and logic circuits are arranged between PWM signal generation circuits and output terminals. It is possible to output PWM signals to the output terminals as they are and to synchronize the PWM signals and output a synchronized signal to a desired output terminal/terminals in the output terminals by changing a coupled state of the matrix circuit. Therefore, it is possible to change the kind of the motor to be controlled, the number of motors to be controlled and so forth without changing the motor control device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-167666 filed onAug. 20, 2014 including the specification, drawings and abstract isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a motor controldevice, a lens unit for imaging apparatus, and an imaging apparatus.

In the technical filed of the lens unit used in the imaging apparatussuch as an interchangeable lens for a single-lens reflex digital cameraand so forth, provision of a motor and a control device adapted tocontrol driving of the motor is unavoidable for lens apertureadjustment, focus adjustment, focal distance adjustment and opticalimage stabilization (camera shake correction) mechanisms and so forth.

For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.Hei 5(1993)-80399, there is disclosed a control device including an MCU(Micro Controller Unit), a PWM device that generates a PWM (Pulse WidthModulation) signal on the basis of a command from the MCU and a motorthat is driven in accordance with the PWM signal.

In addition, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-29666,there is disclosed a control device including a plurality of CPUs(Central processing Units) and a motor that is driven on the basis of acommand from each of the CPUs.

SUMMARY

However, in a case where a plurality of controlled objects are to bemanaged by a single CPU, there is such a disadvantage that provision ofa high-performance CPU is unavoidable and hence power consumption isincreased. In addition, in a case where the CPUs that respectivelycorrespond to the motors to be controlled are provided for low powerconsumption, since each motor control device is immobilized for eachmotor to be controlled, there is such a disadvantage that in a casewhere the kind of the motor to be controlled, the number of the motorsto be controlled and so forth have been changed, provision of a motorcontrol device of a new configuration is unavoidable.

Other subjects and novel features will become apparent from descriptionof the present specification and the appended drawings.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda motor control device that includes a plurality of PWM signalgeneration circuits, a plurality of output terminals and a switchcircuit that selectively gives the PWM signal generated by each of thePWM signal generation circuits to any of the plurality of outputterminals.

According to the above-mentioned one embodiment, it is possible tochange the kind of the motor to be controlled, the number of the motorsto be controlled and so forth without changing the motor control device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of aconfiguration of a digital camera including a motor control deviceaccording to a configuration example 1 examined by the inventors andothers.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of a digitalcamera including a motor control device according to a configurationexample 2 examined by the inventors and others.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of aconfiguration of a motor control device according to a First Embodimentof the present application.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating one example of a switchincluded in a matrix circuit illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of main partsof a digital camera including the motor control device illustrated inFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a time chart illustrating one example of waveforms of PWMsignals illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of main partsof another digital camera including the motor control device illustratedin FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a time chart illustrating one example of waveforms of PWMsignals illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of main partsof further another digital camera including the motor control deviceillustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a time chart illustrating one example of waveforms of PWMsignals and currents illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of mainparts of still further another digital camera including the motorcontrol device illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a time chart illustrating one example of waveforms of PWMsignals and a control signal illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of aconfiguration of a motor control device according to a Second Embodimentof the present application.

FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of mainparts of a digital camera including the motor control device illustratedin FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of aconfiguration of a motor control device according to a Third Embodimentof the present application.

FIG. 16 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of mainparts of a digital camera including the motor control device illustratedin FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Configuration Example 1 Examined by the Inventorsand Others

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of aconfiguration of a digital camera including a motor control device 70according to a configuration example 1 that has been examined by theinventors and others of the present application. In FIG. 1, the digitalcamera includes the motor control device 70, a driver IC 10 and a lensunit 20. The motor control device 70 includes a serial I/F (interface)2, a memory 3, a CPU 4, a data bus 5, processors PR1 to PR3, timers TM1to TM3, interruption controllers INT1 to INT3 and PWM signal generationcircuits PWM1 to PWM3.

The serial I/F 2 performs information transmission and reception betweena main CPU (not illustrated) and the data bus 5. A program to beexecuted by the CPU 4 is stored in the memory 3. The CPU 4 executes theprogram read out from the memory 3. Further, the CPU 4 controls theentire of the motor control device 70 in accordance with a commandsignal that is given from, for example, an operation unit of a digitalcamera via the main CPU, the serial I/F 2 and the data bus 5.

The timer TM1 generates a reference clock signal. The interruptioncontroller INT1 generates an interruption control signal in response to,for example, a signal and so forth from a position sensor that detectsthe position of a lens. The processor PR1 generates information (a dutyratio and so forth) for generating a PWM signal on the basis of anexternal command signal given from the CPU 4, the reference clock signalfrom the timer TM1 and the interruption control signal from theinterruption controller INT1. The PWM signal generation circuit PWM1generates a PWM signal □1 on the basis of the information generated bythe processor PR1.

The timer TM2 generates a reference clock signal. The interruptioncontroller INT2 generates an interruption control signal in response to,for example, a signal and so forth from a position sensor that detectsthe position of a lens. The processor PR2 generates information (a dutyratio and so forth) for generating a PWM signal on the basis of anexternal command signal given from the CPU 4, the reference clock signalfrom the timer TM2 and the interruption control signal from theinterruption controller INT2. The PWM signal generation circuit PWM2generates a PWM signal □2 on the basis of the information generated bythe processor PR2.

The timer TM3 generates a reference clock signal. The interruptioncontroller INT3 generates an interruption control signal in response to,for example, a signal and so forth from a position sensor that detectsthe position of a lens. The processor PR3 generates information (a dutyratio and so forth) for generating a PWM signal on the basis of anexternal command signal given from the CPU 4, the reference clock signalfrom the timer TM3 and the interruption control signal from theinterruption controller INT3. The PWM signal generation circuit PWM3generates a PWM signal □3 on the basis of the information generated bythe processor PR3.

The driver IC 10 includes three drivers D1 to D3. Each of the drivers D1to D3 supplies a current for driving a motor concerned to the lens unit20 in response to a signal from each of output terminals TO1 to TO3 ofthe motor control device 70.

The lens unit 20 includes a diaphragm mechanism 21, lenses 22 to 25 andmotors M1 to M3. The motor M1 is driven with an output current from thedriver D1 and adjusts the amount of light α passing through the lenses22 to 25 by adjusting the opening degree of the diaphragm mechanism 21,thereby adjusting brightness of an image. The motor M2 is driven with anoutput current from the driver D2 and adjusts the position in an opticalaxis direction of the lens 23, thereby focusing the lens on an object.When a shutter button of the digital camera is half-pressed, the motorM2 is driven by an auto-focusing function and the lens is automaticallyfocused on the object.

The motor M3 is driven with an output current from the driver D3 andchanges a focal distance by adjusting the position in an optical axisdirection of the lens 25, thereby optically changing the size of aphotographing range. When a zoom button of the digital camera isoperated, the motor M3 is driven by a zooming function and a rate ofmagnification of the image is changed.

In the motor control device 70, although it is possible to control themotors M1 to M3 of the lens unit 20, it is difficult to control motorsof another lens unit of a different specification. Therefore, in a casewhere the kind of the motor to be controlled, the number of the motorsto be controlled and so forth have been changed, it is unavoidable todesign a new motor control device.

Configuration Example 2 Examined by the Inventors and Others

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of main partsof a digital camera according to a configuration example 2 that has beenexamined by the inventors and others of the present application and isthe diagram to be compared with that in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG.2, the digital camera according to the configuration example 2 isdifferent from the digital camera in FIG. 1 in that the motor controldevice 70 is replaced with a motor control device 71. The motor controldevice 71 is of the type that the CPU 4, the processors PR1 to PR3, thetimers TM1 to TM3 and the interruption controllers INT1 to INT3 of themotor control device 70 are replaced with one CPU 72.

In the configuration example 2, provision of the high-performance CPU 72is unavoidable in order to manage a plurality of controlled objects andthe power consumption is increased in comparison with the configurationexample 1. In the following, embodiments making it possible to eliminatethe disadvantages of the configuration examples 1 and 2 will bedescribed in detail.

First Embodiment

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of aconfiguration of a motor control device 1 according to a FirstEmbodiment of the present application. With reference to FIG. 3, themotor control device 1 is different from the motor control device 70 inFIG. 1 in that a register 6, a matrix circuit 7, AND gates A1 to A3, ORgates G1 to G3, flip-flops F1 to F3 and selectors SE1 to SE3 are added.The matrix circuit 7 configures a first switch circuit. The AND gates A1to A3, the OR gates G1 to G3, the flip-flops F1 to F3 and the selectorsSE1 to SE3 configure a plurality of logic circuits.

Coupling information for setting a coupled state of the matrix circuit 7is stored in the register 6. The coupling information is madechangeable. The matrix circuit 7 includes a plurality of X wiring lines8 that extend in a lateral direction (an X direction) in the drawing anda plurality of Y wiring lines 9 that extend in a vertical direction (a Ydirection) in the drawing. Each X wiring line 8 and each Y wiring lineare mutually insulated. A switch SW coupled between each X wiring line 8and each Y wiring line 9 is provided on an intersection part betweeneach X wiring line 8 and each Y wiring line 9 as illustrated in FIG. 4.The switches SW are arranged on all of the intersection parts betweenthe plurality of X wiring lines 8 and the plurality of Y wiring lines 9.Each switch SW is turned on or off with an output signal from theregister 6. In addition, the motor control device 1 may be alsoconfigured that the above-mentioned coupling information is stored inother memory units such as a ROM and so forth, in addition to storage ofthe coupling information into the register 6.

One ends of three X wiring lines 8 are respectively coupled to outputnodes of the PWM signal generation circuits PWM1 to PWM3. One ends ofother three X wiring lines 8 are respectively coupled to input nodes ofthe interruption controllers INT1 to INT3. The other ends of furtherother six X wiring lines 8 are respectively coupled to both of two inputnodes of the AND gates A1 to A3. The other ends of still further othersix X wiring lines 8 are respectively coupled to both of two input nodesof the OR gates G1 to G3. The other ends of still further other six Xwiring lines 8 are respectively coupled to set terminals and resetterminals of the flip-flops F1 to F3.

Each of the AND gates A1 to A3 outputs an AND signal of two signalsgiven to its two input nodes. Each of the OR gates G1 to G3 outputs anOR signal of two signals given to its two input nodes. In addition, in acase where the signal has been given to only one of the two input nodes,each of the OR gates G1 to G3 makes the signal pass as it is. Each ofthe flip-flops F1 to F3 is set and outputs an “H” level signal to theoutput terminal when a signal is given to the set terminal and is resetand outputs an “L” level signal to the output terminal when the signalis given to the reset terminal.

The selector SE1 receives an output signal from the AND gate A1, anoutput signal from the OR gate G1 and an output signal from theflip-flop F1 and outputs any of the three signals selected by the CPU 4or the register 6 to the output terminal TO1.

The selector SE2 receives an output signal from the AND gate A2, anoutput signal from the OR gate G2 and an output signal from theflip-flop F2 and outputs any of the three signals selected by the CPU 4or the register 6 to the output terminal TO2.

The selector SE2 receives an output signal from the AND gate A3, anoutput signal from the OR gate G3 and an output signal from theflip-flop F3 and outputs any of the three signals selected by the CPU 4or the register 6 to the output terminal TO3.

(Using Method 1)

Next, a using method 1 of the motor control device 1 will be described.FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of main partsof a digital camera that includes the motor control device 1. In FIG. 5,the digital camera includes the motor control device 1, the driver IC 10and the lens unit 20. The driver IC 10 and the lens unit 20 are the sameas those described with reference to FIG. 1.

A matrix set signal for giving three PWM signals □1 to □3 respectivelyto the OR gates G1 to G3 is written into the register 6 of the motorcontrol device 1. In addition, a selector set signal for giving theoutput signals from the OR gates G1 to G3 respectively to the outputterminals TO1 to TO3 is written into the register 6. That is, eachcorresponding relation between each of the PWM signal generationcircuits RWM1 to PWM3 and each of the output terminals TO1 to TO3 iswritten into the register 6.

In the matrix circuit 7, each switch SW is turned on or off inaccordance with the matrix set signal from the register 6. In FIG. 5,the switches SW on the intersection parts indicated by black spots inthe plurality of intersection parts between the plurality of X wiringlines 8 and the plurality of Y wiring lines 9 are turned on and theswitches SW other than the above-mentioned switches are turned off.Three X wiring lines 8 that respectively receive the PWM signals □1 to□3 are respectively coupled to three Y wiring lines 9 and the three Ywiring lines 9 are respectively coupled to three X wiring lines 8 eachof which is coupled to one of the input nodes of each of the OR gates G1to G3.

The selector SE1 gives an output signal from the OR gate G1 to theoutput terminal TO1 in accordance with the selector set signal from theregister 6. The selector SE2 gives an output signal from the OR gate G2to the output terminal TO2 in accordance with the selector set signalfrom the register 6. The selector SE3 gives an output signal from the ORgate G3 to the output terminal TO3 in accordance with the selector setsignal from the register 6.

Thereby, the PWM signal □1 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM1 is given to the driver D1 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G1, the selector SE1 and the output terminal TO1, themotor M1 is driven by the driver D1 and the opening degree of thediaphragm mechanism 21 is adjusted.

In addition, the PWM signal □2 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM2 is given to the driver D2 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G2, the selector SE2 and the output terminal TO2, themotor M2 is driven by the driver D2 and the position of the lens 23 foruse in auto-focusing is adjusted.

In addition, the PWM signal □3 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM3 is given to the driver D3 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G3, the selector SE3 and the output terminal TO3, themotor M3 is driven by the driver D3 and the position of the lens 25 foruse in zooming is adjusted.

FIG. 6 is a time chart illustrating one example of waveforms of the PWMsignals □1 to □3. As illustrated in FIG. 6, duty ratios of the three PWMsignals □1 to □3 are separately set. Incidentally, the duty ratio is aratio T1/T2 of an “H” level time T1 to a time T2 for one cycle in onecycle of each PWM signal. In the digital camera illustrated in FIG. 5,the PWM signals □1 to □3 are respectively output to the output terminalsTO1 to TO3 as they are

(Using Method 2)

Next, another using method 2 of the motor control device 1 will bedescribed. FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example ofmain parts of another digital camera that includes the motor controldevice 1. In FIG. 7, the digital camera includes the motor controldevice 1, the driver IC 10 and a lens unit 30. The driver IC 10 is thesame as that described with reference to FIG. 1.

The lens unit 30 includes the diaphragm mechanism 21, the lenses 22 to25 and a three-phase motor M4. The three-phase motor M4 is driven withoutput currents from the drivers D1 to D3 and adjusts the position inthe optical axis direction of the lens 23 to focus the lens on theobject. When the shutter button of the digital camera is half-pressed,the motor M4 is driven by the auto-focusing function and the lens isautomatically focused on the object.

The matrix set signal for giving the three PWM signals □1 to □3respectively to the OR gates G1 to G3 and also respectively to theinterruption controllers INT 2, INT3 and INT1 is written into theregister 6 of the motor control device 1. In addition, the selector setsignal for giving the output signals from the OR gates G1 to G3respectively to the output terminals TO1 to TO3 is written into theregister 6. That is, each corresponding relation among each of the PWMsignal generation circuits RWM1 to PWM3, each of the output terminalsTO1 to TO3 and each of the interruption controllers INT1 to INT3 iswritten into the register 6 in one-to-one correspondence.

In the matrix circuit 7, each switch SW is turned on or off inaccordance with the matrix set signal from the register 6. In FIG. 7,the switches SW on the intersection parts indicated by the black spotsin the plurality of intersection parts between the plurality of X wiringlines 8 and the plurality of Y wiring lines 9 are turned on and theswitches SW other than the above-mentioned switches SW are turned off.Three X wiring lines 8 that respectively receive the PWM signals □1 to□3 are respectively coupled to three Y wiring lines 9 and the three Ywiring lines 9 are respectively coupled to three X wiring lines 8 eachbeing coupled to one of the input nodes of each of the OR gates G1 to G3and are respectively coupled to three X wiring lines 8 that have beenrespectively coupled to the interruption controllers INT2, INT3 andINT1.

The interruption controller INT1 gives a timing control signalindicating a level change timing of the PWM signal □3 to the processorPR1. The interruption controller INT2 gives a timing control signalindicating a level change timing of the PWM signal □1 to the processorPR2. The interruption controller INT3 gives a timing control signalindicating a level change timing of the PWM signal □2 to the processorPR3. The processors PR1 to PR3 generate the three-phase PWM signals □1to □3 in accordance with the signals from the interruption controllersINT1 to INT3 and the timers TM1 to TM3.

The selector SE1 gives the output signal from the OR gate G1 to theoutput terminal TO1 in accordance with the selector set signal from theregister 6. The selector SE2 gives the output signal from the OR gate G2to the output terminal TO2 in accordance with the selector set signalfrom the register 6. The selector SE3 gives the output signal from theOR gate G3 to the output terminal TO3 in accordance with the selectorset signal from the register 6.

Thereby, the PWM signal □1 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM1 is given to the driver D1 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G1, the selector SE1 and the output terminal TO1 and afirst phase current is supplied from the driver D1 to the three-phasemotor M4.

In addition, the PWM signal □2 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM2 is given to the driver D2 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G2, the selector SE2 and the output terminal TO2 and asecond phase current is supplied from the driver D2 to the three-phasemotor M4.

In addition, the PWM signal □3 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM3 is given to the driver D3 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G3, the selector SE3 and the output terminal TO3 and athird phase current is supplied from the driver D3 to the three-phasemotor M4.

FIG. 8 is a time chart illustrating one example of waveforms of the PWMsignals □1 to □3. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the duty ratios of the threePWM signals □1 to □3 are set to the same value and the three PWM signals□1 to □3 are out of phase with one another by the same angle. In thedigital camera in FIG. 7, the PWM signals □1 to □3 are respectivelyoutput to the output terminals TO1 to TO3 as they are.

(Using Method 3)

Next, still further another using method 3 of the motor control device 1will be described. FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram illustrating oneexample of main parts of still further another digital camera thatincludes the motor control device 1. In FIG. 9, the digital cameraincludes the motor control device 1, a driver IC 11 and a lens unit 31.

The driver IC 11 includes two drivers D11 and D12. The drivers D11 andD12 respectively supply motor driving currents I11 and I12 to the lensunit 31 in response to signals from the output terminals TO1 and TO2 ofthe motor control device 1.

The lens unit 31 includes the diaphragm mechanism 21, the lenses 22 to25 and motors M11 and M12. The motor M11 is driven with the outputcurrent I11 of the driver D11 and adjusts the position in a directionorthogonal to the optical axis of the lens 23 to correct blurring of aphotographed screen caused by camera shake and so forth. Blurring of thephotographed screen is detected by a camera shake detection device (notillustrated) and the motor M12 is driven on the basis of a result ofdetection. The motor M12 is driven with the output current I12 of thedriver D12 and adjusts the position in the optical axis direction of thelens 25 to focus the lens on the object. When the shutter button of thedigital camera is half-pressed, the motor M12 is driven by theauto-focusing function and the lens is automatically focused on theobject.

The matrix set signal for giving the PWM signals □1 and □2 to the ANDgate A1 and giving the PWM signal □3 to the OR gate G2 is written intothe register 6 of the motor control device 1. In addition, the selectorset signal for giving the output signals from the AND gate A1 and the ORgate G2 respectively to the output terminals TO1 and TO2 is written intothe register 6. That is, each corresponding relation among each of thePWM signal generation circuits RWM1 to PWM3, each of the logic circuitswhich is configured by each of the AND gates A1 to A3, each of the ORgates G1 to G3, each of the flip-flops F1 to F3 and each of theselectors SE1 to SE3, and each of the output terminals TO1 to TO3 iswritten into the register 6.

In the matrix circuit 7, each switch SW is turned on or off inaccordance with the matrix set signal from the register 6. In FIG. 9,the switches SW on the intersection parts indicated by the black spotsin the plurality of intersection parts between the plurality of X wiringlines 8 and the plurality of Y wiring lines 9 are turned on and theswitches SW other than the above-mentioned switches SW are turned off.Two X wiring lines 8 that respectively receive the PWM signals □1 and □2are respectively coupled to two Y wiring lines 9 and the two Y wiringlines 9 are respectively coupled to the two input nodes of the AND gateA1. One X wiring line 8 that receives the PWM signal □3 is coupled toone Y wiring line 9 and that Y wiring line 9 is coupled to one of theinput nodes of the OR gate G2.

The selector SE1 gives the output signal from the AND gate A1 to theoutput terminal TO1 in accordance with the selector set signal from theregister 6. The selector SE2 gives the output signal from the OR gate G2to the output terminal TO2 in accordance with the selector set signalfrom the register 6.

Thereby, the PWM signals □1 and □2 that have been generated by the PWMsignal generation circuits PWM1 and PWM2 are given to the AND gate A1via the matrix circuit 7, an output signal □1A from the AND gate A1 isgiven to the driver D11 via the selector SE1 and the output terminalTO1, the motor M11 is driven by the driver D11 and the position of thelens 23 for use in image stabilization is adjusted.

In addition, the PWM signal □3 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM3 is given to the driver D12 via the matrixcircuit 7, the OR gate G2, the selector SE2 and the output terminal TO2,the motor M12 is driven by the driver D12 and the position of the lens25 for use in auto-focusing is adjusted.

FIG. 10 is a time chart illustrating one example of waveforms of theoutput signal □1A of the AND gate A1, the PWM signals □2 and □3 and thecurrents I11 and I12. In FIG. 10, in a period between times t0 and t1,the duty ratio of the PWM signal □2 is set to 1, the PWM signal □2 isfixed to the “H” level and the output signal □1A of the AND gate A1becomes the same as the PWM signal □1. When the output signal □1A is setto the “H” level, the amount of the output current I11 of the driver D11is increased, and when the output signal □1A is set to the “L” level,the amount of the output current I11 of the driver D11 is rapidlydecreased. When the PWM signal □3 is set to the “H” level, the amount ofthe output current I12 of the driver D12 is increased, and when the PWMsignal □3 is set to the “L” level, the amount of the output current I12of the driver D12 is rapidly decreased.

At the time t1, the duty ratio of the PWM signal □2 is set to ½ and thePWM signal □2 is alternately set to the “H” level and the “L” level in acycle that is sufficiently shorter than that of the PWM signal □1.Therefore, in a period that the PWM signal □1 is at the “H” level, thesignal □1A becomes the same as the PWM signal □2, and in a period thatthe PWM signal □1 is at the “L” level, the signal □1A is set to the “L”level. Accordingly, the amount of the current I11 obtained after thetime t1 is reduced to almost half that of the current I11 obtainedbefore the time t1. It is possible to finely adjust the amount of thecurrent I11 by adjusting the duty ratio of the PWM signal □2 in thisway.

(Using Method 4)

Next, still further another using method 4 of the motor control device 1will be described. FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram illustrating oneexample of main parts of still further another digital camera includingthe motor control device 1 illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 11, thedigital camera includes the motor control device 1, a driver IC 12 andthe lens unit 31.

The driver IC 12 includes two drivers D21 and D22. The driver D21supplies a current to the motor M112 for use in image stabilization ofthe lens unit 31 in response to the signal from the output terminal TO1of the motor control device 1. In a case where a control signal CNT fromthe output terminal TO3 of the motor control device 1 is at the “H”level that is an activated level, the driver D22 is activated andsupplies a current to the motor M12 for use in auto-focusing of the lensunit 31 in response to the signal from the output terminal TO2. In acase where the control signal CNT from the output terminal TO3 of themotor control device 1 is at the “L” level that is a deactivated level,the driver D22 is deactivated and does not output the current. Theconfiguration of the lens unit 31 is as described with reference to FIG.9.

The matrix set signal for giving the PWM signals □1 and □2 respectivelyto the OR gates G1 and G2 and giving the PWM signals □1 and □2respectively to the reset terminal and the set terminal of the flip-flopF3 is written into the register 6 of the motor control device 1. Inaddition, the selector set signal for giving the output signals from theOR gates G1 and G2 and the flip-flop F3 respectively to the outputterminals TO1 to TO3 is written into the register 6. That is, eachcorresponding relation among each of the PWM signal generation circuitsRWM1 to PWM3, each of the logic circuits which is configured by each ofthe AND gates A1 to A3, each of the OR gates G1 to G3, each of theflip-flops F1 to F3 and each of the selectors SE1 to SE3, and each ofthe output terminals TO1 to TO3 is written into the register 6.

In the matrix circuit 7, each switch SW is turned on or off inaccordance with the matrix set signal from the register 6. In FIG. 11,the switches SW on the intersection parts indicated by the black spotsin the plurality of intersection parts between the plurality of X wiringlines 8 and the plurality of Y wiring lines 9 are turned on and theswitches SW other than the above-mentioned switches SW are turned off.Two X wiring lines 8 that respectively receive the PWM signals □1 and □2are respectively coupled to two Y wiring lines 9, and the two Y wiringlines 9 are respectively coupled to two X wiring lines 8 that have beencoupled to one input nodes of the OR gates G1 and G2 and respectivelycoupled to two X wiring lines 8 that have been coupled to the resetterminal and the set terminal of the flip-flop F3.

The selector SE1 gives the output signal from the OR gate G1 to theoutput terminal TO1 in accordance with the selector set signal from theregister 6. The selector SE2 gives the output signal from the OR gate G2to the output terminal TO2 in accordance with the selector set signalfrom the register 6. The selector SE3 gives the output signal CNT fromthe flip-flop F3 to the output terminal TO3 in accordance with theselector set signal from the register 6.

Thereby, the PWM signal □1 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM1 is given to the driver D21 via the matrixcircuit 7, the OR gate G1, the selector SE1 and the output terminal TO1,the motor M11 is driven by the driver D21 and the position of the lens23 for use in auto-focusing is adjusted.

In addition, the PWM signal □2 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM2 is given to the driver D22 via the matrixcircuit 7, the OR gate G2, the selector SE2 and the output terminal TO2,the motor M12 is driven by the driver D22 and the position of the lens25 for use in zooming is adjusted.

In addition, the PWM signals □1 and □2 are given to the flip-flop F3 viathe matrix circuit 7, the output signal CNT from the flip-flop F3 isgiven to a control node of the driver D22 via the selector SE3 and theoutput terminal TO3 and the driver D22 is activated or deactivated withthe control signal CNT.

FIG. 12 is a time chart illustrating one example of waveforms of the PWMsignals □1 and □2. In FIG. 12, in this digital camera, auto-focusing andimage stabilization are separately performed. At the time t0, thecontrol signal CNT is set to the “L” level that is the deactivatedlevel, and the driver D22 is deactivated and is maintained in a lowpower consumption state. When the PWM signal □2 rises from the “L” levelto the “H” level at the time t1, the flip-flop F3 is set, the controlsignal CNT is set to the “H” level that is the activated level, and thedriver D22 is activated and brought into an operation state. The driverD22 drives the motor M12 for use in auto-focusing in response to the PWMsignal □2 from the output terminal TO2.

At the time t2, when the PWM signal □2 is fixed to the “L” level and thePWM signal □1 rises from the “L” level to the “H” level, the flip-flopF3 is reset, the control signal CNY is set to the “L” level that is thedeactivated level and the driver D22 is deactivated and is brought intothe low power consumption state. The driver D21 drives the motor M1 foruse in image stabilization in response to the PWM signal □1 from theoutput terminal TO1.

As described above, in the First Embodiment, since the matrix circuit 7has been provided between the PWM signal generation circuits PWM1 toPWM3 and the output terminals TO1 to TO3, it is possible to selectivelygive each of the PWM signals □1 to □3 to any of the output terminals TO1to TO3. Further, since the AND gates A1 to A3, the OR gates G1 to G3,the flip-flops F1 to F3 and the selectors SE1 to DE3 have been providedbetween the matrix circuit 7 and the output terminals TO1 to TO3, it ispossible to generate a new signal by synthesizing the PWM signals □1 to□3. Therefore, it is possible to change the kind of the motor to becontrolled, the number of the motors to be controlled and so forthwithout changing the motor control device.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of aconfiguration of a motor control device 40 according to a SecondEmbodiment of the present application and is the diagram to be comparedwith that in FIG. 3. With reference to FIG. 13, the motor control device40 is different from the motor control device 1 in that a matrix circuit41 is added between the processors PR1 to PR3 and the PWM signalgeneration circuits PWM1 to PWM3. The matrix circuit 41 configures asecond switch circuit.

Similarly to the First Embodiment, a first matrix set signal for turningeach of the plurality of switches SW included in the matrix circuit 7 onor off and the selector set signal for setting a selection state of eachof the selectors SE1 to SE3 are written into the register 6. Further, asecond matrix set signal for turning each of the plurality of switchesSW included in the matrix circuit 41 on or off is written into theregister 6.

That is, a first corresponding relation between each of the PWM signalgeneration circuits PWM1 to PWM3 and each of the output terminals TO1 toTO3 and a second corresponding relation between each of the processorsPR1 to PR3 and each of the PWM signal generation circuits PWM1 to PWM3are written into the register 6.

The matrix circuit 41 is the same as the matrix circuit 7 inconfiguration and includes a plurality (six in the drawing) of X wiringlines 42 and a plurality (three in the drawing) of Y wiring lines 43.Each of the X wiring lines 42 extends in the lateral direction (the Xdirection) and each of the Y wiring lines 43 extends in the verticaldirection (the Y direction) in the drawing. Each of the switches WSillustrated in FIG. 4 is arranged on each of a plurality of intersectionparts between the plurality of X wiring lines 42 and the plurality of Ywiring lines 43. Each switch SW is coupled between each X wiring line 42and each Y wiring line 43 that mutually intersects on each correspondingintersection part and is turned on or off in response to the outputsignal from the register 6.

Therefore, in the motor control device 40, the same advantageous effectsas those in the First Embodiment are obtained and such an advantageouseffect is also obtained that it is possible to give the output signalfrom each processor PR to a desired PWM signal generationcircuit/circuits in the PWM signal generation circuits PWM1 to PWM3.

FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of mainparts of a digital camera including the motor control device 40illustrated in FIG. 13 and is the diagram to be compared with that inFIG. 5. The first matrix set signal for giving the PWM signals □1 to □3respectively to the output terminals TO1 to TO3 is written into theregister 6. In addition, the selector set signal for giving the outputsignals from the OR gates G1 to G3 respectively to the output terminalsTO1 to TO3 is written into the register 6. Further, the second matrixset signal for giving the information generated by the processor PR1 tothe three PWM signal generation circuits PWM1 to PWM3 is written intothe register 6.

In the matrix circuit 41, each switch SW is turned on or off inaccordance with the matrix set signal from the register 6. In FIG. 14,the switches SW on the intersection parts indicated by the black spotsin the plurality of intersection parts between the plurality of X wiringlines 8 and the plurality of Y wiring lines 9 are turned on and theswitches SW other than the above-mentioned switches SW are turned off.One X wiring line 42 that receives the output signal from the processorPR1 is coupled to one Y wiring line 43, and the one Y wiring line 43 iscoupled to three X wiring lines 42 that have been respectively coupledto the input nodes of the PWM signal generation circuits PWM1 to PWM3.Therefore, the output signal from the processor PR1 is given to thethree PWM signal generation circuits PWM1 to PWM3.

In this state, any one of the PWM signal generation circuits PWM1 toPWM3 is selected and activated, for example, by the CPU 4.

The PWM signal □1 that has been generated by the PWM signal generationcircuit PWM1 is given to the driver D1 via the matrix circuit 7, the ORgate G1, the selector SE1 and the output terminal TO1 and the motor M1for use in lens stopping-down is driven by the driver D1.

The PWM signal □2 that has been generated by the PWM signal generationcircuit PWM2 is given to the driver D2 via the matrix circuit 7, the ORgate G2, the selector SE2 and the output terminal TO2 and the motor M2for use in auto-focusing is driven by the driver D2.

The PWM signal □3 that has been generated by the PWM signal generationcircuit PWM3 is given to the driver D3 via the matrix circuit 7, the ORgate G3, the selector SE3 and the output terminal TO3 and the motor M3for use in zooming is driven by the driver D3.

Since, in the Second Embodiment, only one processor PR1 is activated andthe two processors PR2 and PR3 are deactivated, it is possible topromote a reduction in power consumption.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 15 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of aconfiguration of a motor control device 45 according to a ThirdEmbodiment of the present application and is the diagram to be comparedwith that in FIG. 3. With reference to FIG. 15, the motor control device45 is different from the motor control device 1 in FIG. 3 in that threeinput terminals T11 to T13 are added. The three input terminals T11 toT13 are respectively coupled to three X wiring lines 8 of the matrixcircuit 7.

Next, a using method of this motor control device 45 will be described.FIG. 16 is a circuit block diagram illustrating one example of mainparts of a digital camera including the motor control device 45illustrated in FIG. 15 and is the diagram to be compared with that inFIG. 5. In FIG. 16, the digital camera includes the motor control device45, the driver IC 10 and a lens unit 50.

The driver IC 10 includes the three drivers D1 to D3. Each of thedrivers D1 to D3 supplies a current for driving each motor to the lensunit 50 in response to the signal from each of the output terminals TO1to TO3 of the motor control device 45.

The lens unit 50 includes a diaphragm mechanism 51, lenses 52 to 54,motors M21 to M23 and position sensors PS1 to PS3. The diaphragmmechanism 21 adjusts the amount of light a passing through the lenses 52to 54 to adjust the brightness of the image. The motors M21 to M23 arerespectively driven with output currents from the drivers D1 to D3 andrespectively adjust the positions in the optical axis direction of thelenses 52 to 54. It is possible to adjust focus, the rate ofmagnification of the image and so forth by adjusting the positions ofthe lenses 52 to 54. The position sensors PS1 to PS3 respectively detectthe positions of the lenses 52 to 54 and output signals indicative ofresults of detection respectively to the input terminals T11 to T13.

The matrix set signal for giving the three PWM signals □1 to □3respectively to the OR gates G1 to G3 and coupling the input terminalsT11 to T13 respectively to the interruption controllers INt1 to INt3 iswritten into the register 6 of the motor control device 45. In addition,the selector set signal for giving the output signals 00 from the ORgates G1 to G3 respectively to the output terminals TO1 to TO3 iswritten into the register 6.

In the matrix circuit 7, each switch SW is turned on or off inaccordance with the matrix set signal from the register 6. In FIG. 16,the switches SW on the intersection parts indicated by the black spotsin the plurality of intersection parts between the plurality of X wiringlines 8 and the plurality of Y wiring lines 9 are turned on and theswitches SW other than the above-mentioned switches SW are turned off.Three X wiring lines 8 that respectively receive the PWM signals □1 to□3 are respectively coupled to three Y wiring lines 9, and the three Ywiring lines 9 are respectively coupled to three X wiring lines 8 eachof which is coupled to one input node of each of the OR gates G1 to G3.

Three X wiring lines 8 that have been respectively coupled to the inputterminals T11 to T13 are respectively coupled to three Y wiring lines 9,and the three Y wiring lines 9 are respectively coupled to three Xwiring lines 8 that have been respectively coupled to the interruptioncontrollers INT1 to INT3.

The selector SE1 gives the output signal from the OR gate G1 to theoutput terminal TO1 in accordance with the selector set signal from theregister 6. The selector SE2 gives the output signal from the OR gate G2to the output terminal TO2 in accordance with the selector set signalfrom the register 6. The selector SE3 gives the output signal from theOR gate G3 to the output terminal TO3 in accordance with the selectorset signal from the register 6.

Thereby, the PWM signal □1 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM1 is given to the driver D1 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G1, the selector SE1 and the output terminal TO1, themotor M21 is driven by the driver D1 and the position of the lens 52 isadjusted.

In addition, the PWM signal □2 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM2 is given to the driver D2 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G2, the selector SE2 and the output terminal TO2, themotor M22 is driven by the driver D2 and the position of the lens 53 isadjusted.

In addition, the PWM signal □3 that has been generated by the PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM3 is given to the driver D3 via the matrix circuit7, the OR gate G3, the selector SE3 and the output terminal TO3, themotor M23 is driven by the driver D3 and the position of the lens 54 isadjusted.

An output signal from the position sensor PS1 is given to theinterruption controller INT1 via the input terminal T11 and the matrixcircuit 7. The interruption controller INT1 generates a position controlsignal on the basis of the signal from the position sensor PS1 and givesthe generated position control signal to the processor PR1. Theprocessor PR1 gives information that is based on the position controlsignal to the PWM signal generation circuit PWM1. The PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM1 generates the PWM signal □1 on the basis of theinformation from the processor PR1. Thereby, the lens 52 is positionedto a desired position.

In addition, an output signal from the position sensor PS2 is given tothe interruption controller INT2 via the input terminal T12 and thematrix circuit 7. The interruption controller INT2 generates a positioncontrol signal on the basis of the signal from the position sensor PS2and gives the generated position control signal to the processor PR2.The processor PR2 gives information that is based on the positioncontrol signal to the PWM signal generation circuit PWM2. The PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM2 generates the PWM signal □2 on the basis of theinformation from the processor PR2. Thereby, the lens 53 is positionedto a desired position.

In addition, an output signal from the position sensor PS3 is given tothe interruption controller INT3 via the input terminal T13 and thematrix circuit 7. The interruption controller INT3 generates a positioncontrol signal on the basis of the signal from the position sensor PS3and gives the generated position control signal to the processor PR3.The processor PR3 gives information that is based on the positioncontrol signal to the PWM signal generation circuit PWM3. The PWM signalgeneration circuit PWM3 generates the PWM signal □3 on the basis of theinformation from the processor PR3. Thereby, the lens 54 is positionedto a desired position. The same advantageous effects as those in theFirst Embodiment are obtained also in the Third Embodiment.

Although, in the foregoing, the invention made by the inventors andothers of the present invention has been specifically described on thebasis of the preferred embodiments, it goes without saying that thepresent invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments andmay be modified in a variety of ways within the scope not deviating fromthe gist of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A motor control device that controls a motor,comprising: a plurality of processors, each being adapted to generateinformation for generating a PWM signal; a plurality of PWM signalgeneration circuits, each being provided corresponding to each of theprocessors and adapted to generate the PWM signal on the basis of theinformation that has been generated by the corresponding processor; aplurality of output terminals; and a first switch circuit thatselectively gives the PWM signal generated by each of the PWM signalgeneration circuits to any of the output terminals.
 2. The motor controldevice according to claim 1, further comprising: a register into which acorresponding relation between each of the PWM signal generationcircuits and each of the output terminals is written, wherein the firstswitch circuit gives the PWM signal generated by each of the PWM signalgeneration circuits to the corresponding output terminal on the basis ofthe corresponding relation written into the register.
 3. The motorcontrol device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second switchcircuit that selectively gives the information generated by each of theprocessors to any of the PWM signal generation circuits.
 4. The motorcontrol device according to claim 3, further comprising: a register intowhich a first corresponding relation between each of the PWM signalgeneration circuits and each of the output terminals and a secondcorresponding relation between each of the processors and each of thePWM signal generation circuits are written, wherein the first switchcircuit gives the PWM signal generated by each of the PWM signalgeneration circuits to the corresponding output terminal on the basis ofthe first corresponding relation written into the register and thesecond switch circuit gives the information generated by each of theprocessors to the corresponding PWM signal generation circuit on thebasis of the second relation written into the register.
 5. The motorcontrol device according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality oflogic circuits, each being provided corresponding to each of the outputterminals, wherein the first switch circuit selectively gives the PWMsignal generated by each of the PWM signal generation circuits to anyone or two or more of the logic circuits, and each of the logic circuitsgives a signal that has been generated on the basis of one or two ormore PWM signal/signals given from the first switch circuit to thecorresponding output terminal.
 6. The motor control device according toclaim 5, further comprising: a register into which a correspondingrelation between each of the PWM signal generation circuits and aplurality of input nodes of each of the logic circuits is written,wherein the first switch circuit gives the PWM signal generated by eachof the PWM signal generation circuits to the corresponding logic circuiton the basis of the corresponding relation written into the register. 7.The motor control device according to claim 5, wherein each of the logiccircuits includes an OR gate.
 8. The motor control device according toclaim 5, wherein each of the logic circuits includes an AND gate.
 9. Themotor control device according to claim 5, wherein each of the logiccircuits includes a flip flop that is set with one PWM signal given fromthe switch circuit to output a signal of a first logic level, and isreset with another PWM signal given from the switch circuit to output asignal of a second logic level.
 10. The motor control device accordingto claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of interruption controllers,each being provided corresponding to each of the processors, wherein thefirst switch circuit selectively gives the PWM signal generated by eachof the PWM signal generation circuits to any of the interruptioncontrollers, each of the interruption controllers generates a timingcontrol signal on the basis of the PWM signal given from the firstswitch circuit and gives the generated timing control signal to thecorresponding processor, and each of the processors generates the PWMsignal on the basis of the timing control signal given from thecorresponding interruption controller.
 11. The motor control deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of interruptioncontrollers, each being provided corresponding to each of theprocessors, wherein a plurality of motors are used to respectivelyadjust positions of a plurality of objects, a plurality of positionsensors that respectively detect the positions of the objects areincluded, the first switch circuit selectively gives a positiondetection signal generated by each of the position sensors to any of theinterruption controllers, each of the interruption controllers generatesa position control signal on the basis of the position detection signalgiven from the switch circuit and gives the generated position controlsignal to the corresponding processor, and each of the processorsgenerates the PWM signal on the basis of the position control signalgiven from the corresponding interruption controller.
 12. The motorcontrol device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the PWMsignals output from the output terminals are respectively used tocontrol a plurality of motors.
 13. The motor control device according toclaim 1, wherein three PWM signals output from three output terminals inthe output terminals are used to control a three-phase motor.
 14. Asemiconductor device that outputs a PWM signal, comprising: a pluralityof output terminals; a plurality of PWM signal generation circuits; aswitch circuit; a memory circuit; and a CPU, wherein each of the PWMsignal generation circuits generates a PWM signal that is based on acontrol signal supplied from the CPU, and the switch circuit includes anoutput stage including a plurality of output units that are respectivelycoupled with the output terminals and outputs each of the generated PWMsignals to an optional output unit/units in the output units on thebasis of coupling information stored in the memory circuit.
 15. A lensunit for imaging apparatus, comprising: a plurality of lenses; aplurality of motors that drive the lenses; a motor control device thatoutputs a plurality of PWM signals; and a driver device that applies adrive current that is based on each of the PWM signals to each of themotors, wherein the motor control device includes a plurality of outputterminals, a plurality of PWM signal generation circuits, a switchcircuit, a memory circuit and a CPU, each of the PWM signal generationcircuits generates each PWM signal that is based on a control signalsupplied from the CPU, and the switch circuit includes an output stageincluding a plurality of output units that are respectively coupled withthe output terminals and outputs each of the generated PWM signals to anoptional output unit/units in the output units on the basis of couplinginformation stored in the memory circuit.
 16. An imaging apparatus,comprising the lens unit for imaging apparatus according to claim 15.